It was a style infusion on the latest episode of Home by Novogratz. Bob and Cortney headed down to Orlando, FL to add some life to a needy elementary school — a project they said was their most challenging of the season. While the design duo gave the school a $50,000 makeover, many of their tips can be easily incorporated into private homes to create inspiring playrooms for your own tots. Check them out!
Source: HGTV
If there's one thing a family can never have enough of, it's space. While living in a small space can force families to cut down on the clutter and carefully edit their toys, kids will inevitably feel constrained by limited areas. Bob and Cortney Novogratz know all about small homes. The designing duo, and stars of HGTV's Home by Novogratz have lived in and around New York City with their seven kids.
In an upcoming episode of their show, the couple helps a friend-of-a-friend convert a small Hell's Kitchen, NYC, bedroom into a clean, functional room for 4-year-old triplets. Quite a bit more modern than the San Francisco 2010 Decorator Showcase, take a sneak peek at the room, and see what the designers used to make it functional and fun for the tykes.
Photos by: Matthew Williams
I was lucky enough to catch a screening of the new HGTV series Home by Novogratz a month ago. (Spoiler alert: you're going to love it.). Starring Rob and Cortney Novogratz, with appearances from their seven children as well, the new show focuses on deserving renovation projects that are actually within most homeowners' budgets. Premiering this Saturday on HGTV, it's a must-see show for those of you looking for unique and beautiful decorating ideas that are budget friendly. The busy couple recently pulled together some images from their portfolio, including some from the upcoming show, to share with CasaSugar readers. Take a look at some truly beautiful designs and read Rob and Cortney Novogratz's thoughts on each.
Earlier today, I shared the first part of my interview with Rob and Cortney Novogratz. You can catch up on some of the highlights from their new show Home by Novogratz in the first part of the interview as well as design news and inspiration from the couple. With the premiere of Home by Novogratz on HGTV next month, their new hotel design, a new line of home accessories and goods, and numerous residential projects, it's amazing the couple had time to sit down and respond to my interview questions. See what they have to say about their new line, inspiration from their kids, and more in the second half of my interview with them.
CasaSugar: How did you decide which items to include in your new line, Novogratz?
Rob and Cortney Novogratz: We wanted to go for things that we want to use ourselves, like accessories, paints, rugs. We created the products, because we felt that we couldn’t find exactly what we wanted in so many areas, and now we will be able to have products that reflect our very specific point of view, and we think lots of people will like them as well.
CS: What’s one of your favorite pieces from your new line?
R&C: Oh no, we can’t choose. That’s like saying you like one child better than the other. We love them all!
CS: What was one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on in the past year?R&C: Maybe the school makeover that we did with Bounty in Orlando, FL, (seen below). The school had not been updated since the 1970s, and it really needed work. It was difficult, but also one of the most rewarding things we have ever done.
CS: What materials are you working with at the moment that are inspiring you?
R&C: Oh we are seriously into patterns, graphic wallpaper, cool rugs, lots of color.
CS: What artists have you discovered lately that you’re loving?
R&C: There are so many. We find new artists that we love every day. We used Matt Siren in one of our projects, and his art was very cool, and we found a Paco Rabanne piece for a recent project, something classic and something totally edgy. With a lot of interesting art in between. We are constantly inspired — and on the hunt for a new discovery!
CS: What design lessons have you learned from your kids?
R&C: So many. Their point of view is always so helpful, the way they see things informs us so much. Not only about design but about life. Kids keep you young and challenge your perceptions, and inject a lot of love and whimsy into your life and work.
Last week, the Novogratz family from Sixx Design shared their first tablescape with us, and this week they're back with another for your table setting inspiration and pleasure. In case you missed it, the Novogratz family agreed to style two adult tables and two kids' tables for the holiday season. The Novogratzes are also creating tablescapes for LilSugar, so check out the kids' tables as well. And that's not all – at the end of month, we will round up all the tablescapes (plus some of our very own!) for a fun giveaway to win $1,000 to HomeGoods! Here's their second table for the grown-ups.
CasaSugar: What inspired this tablescape?
Cortney Novogratz: A visit from the grandparents, and it was raining outside, so the beautiful colors and the flowers and the candles made us feel transported, warm, and cozy!
CS: What’s your favorite piece that you used here?
CN: The serving tray is a favorite!
CS: What’s your most memorable table setting from a Thanksgiving you’ve hosted or attended?
CN: A few years ago, Robert’s mother made a giant, molded chocolate turkey, and all of the kids feasted on it for dessert! (They also sell them at Costco!)
CS: How do you deal with a dinner where awkward or feuding family members are at the same table?
CN: We always offer a lot of wine with dinner, and that usually solves any problems!
To re-create the tablescape, start with a gorgeous, lush bouquet of organic roses. For the rest of the table elements, check out the widget below to assemble a similar look.
Check out more photos of the table!
No academic course will teach you how to give a derelict house a gut renovation and turn it into a fantastically unique, high-style home. That skill comes with experience and serious design savvy, something which Robert and Cortney Novogratz accidentally learned they had.
After renovating their first home in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood 10 years ago, which then was a neglected, not-so-fashionable area, they realized they had a knack for building and decorating, together. Since then, they've renovated and designed numerous buildings in and around NYC, including an entire block in SoHo and a house in the country, and founded their own design powerhouse, Sixx Design. As a memoir of sorts chronicling seven of the couple's projects, the Novogratz clan — did I mention they have seven children? — published Downtown Chic: Designing Your Dream Home, From Wreck to Ravishing. Hear my thoughts on the volume when you read more
